La Torre beach in Rio Marina, Island of Elba

At the foot of the 16th century Appiani Tower

There are three tiny beaches in Rio Marina, and all three consist of dark coloured sand that sparkles in the sun thanks to the hematite dust that the locals call "oligisto".

One of these beaches is right inside the port but access and swimming are not allowed both because it is a port area and also because there are always boats hauled up on the shore. The second beach is del Sasso beach and is farther up north, and despite being very small and just past the port it is always very crowded.

At the third beach on the other hand you are free to swim at your leisure and it sits at the foot of the Appian Tower so is easily seen from anywhere in the town. In the past the Tower looked over a beach that used to be much longer because it was here that the iron from the nearby mines was loaded on the boats for shipment.

The beach is about 30 metres long and consists of fine to medium sized shingle that the waves have made smooth mixed with dark coloured sand. The fact that the beach is so near the town means that it is often very crowded, but if you walk to the rocks farther along you will see a sort of cement platform that you can sunbathe on.

If you keep going along the scenic walkway for another 300 metres you will get to the tiny shingle beach of Marina di Gennaro.

La Torre beach is on your left and is well sheltered by the wharf from the waves of the passing ferries.

Since it is by the town, you will find every type of facility as well as bars, restaurants, shops and much more just off the beach.

How to get to La Torre beach

With the Tower standing tall above it you will find the beach very easily because it is below the so called "Spiazzi", that is, the short, scenic walkway overlooking the sea that leads to the wharf.